Network Rail will be replacing three of the local rail bridges early next year. The bridges in Village Way, Rosendale Road and the bottom of Croxted Road are over 160 years old and the supporting structures need to be brought up to current standards. There will clearly be some disruption while the work is carried out but the Society is most concerned that the historic character of the bridges is retained. Network Rail has said that they will be keeping the railings and the plaques (the latter include the crest of Alleyn’s College, plus the date 1866, and the coats of arms of the Dulwich College Estate and the railway company) but we are also keen to see the old supporting columns retained – even if they no longer support anything. There is also the question of the colour; two of the bridges still have remnants of the original London, Brighton & South Coast railway (LBSCR) colour scheme - a sort of distinctive yellow ochre (apparently famous to railway enthusiasts, perhaps because it was known, most misleadingly, as "improved engine green").
